[Z06] Looking at a Z, Have a question

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Dec 19, 2010 | 02:02 AM

Fightin Irishman

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 134

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From: Triad North Carolina

Looking at a Z, Have a question

I've been looking for a 2003 Z06, I've found one I'm interested in. I emailed the owner and he sent some pictures of the car. There is one picture that I'm concerned about.

I don't know if this is road salt, which is layed down on icy roads during the Winter. I've heard that road salt can eat away at metal and do damage. I think it could possibly be wax residue but I'm not sure. I was wondering what everyone else thought.

Thanks for the help,

Josh

Dec 19, 2010 | 02:08 AM

slvrzo6

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 1,969

Likes: 8

From: Champaign IL

First.. There is NO Metal there to Rust away. The body is all Space age plastic.. You won't see a C5's Body's or Panel's Rusting...ever! I think he was just a lazy Car washer.. Or dryer. Water always Collects there after washing.. I usually Wash my Car, Dry my Car, Then go Drive it for a mile. I then have to Re-wipe the Door Jams in that same spot so I don't have THOSE water marks.. Good Luck..

Dec 19, 2010 | 02:11 AM

Last C5

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 3,904

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From: Vancouver Washington

Hard to tell from the picture, but that almost looks like Clearbra that's been applied to the rocker panels and rolled up and over onto the sill.

Dec 19, 2010 | 02:27 AM

MawneeC5

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 2,237

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From: Springhill FL

My vote is watermarks. Just needs to be wiped down when you wash the car.

Dec 19, 2010 | 08:25 AM

Bills Z06

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 14,406

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From: Cypress TX

St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18

Looks like watermarks to me also.

Dec 19, 2010 | 10:40 AM

formerfoxbody

Racer

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 477

Likes: 1

From: Jefferson Georgia

Looks like dust and dirt to me. If he lives in a dusty area just driving the car leaves all kinds of dust/dirt in that area. I have to dust mine just backing out of the garage

Dec 19, 2010 | 03:33 PM

ace996

Pro

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 538

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From: Long Island N.Y.

Have him take the car to a local Chevy dealer or a performance shop (reputable) and have them do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection). Ask the dealership what they check/inspect. If the car was driven HARD, driven in salt, burnouts (rubber in the wheel-wells) or maintained poorly, they'll be able to tell.
They'll run the OBD checks, check the brakes, fluids, body-fitment, and test drive...and more. These PPIs usually run $300-400.
I had a PPI done on a car 6 hours away from me before I purchased. It came back clean and then I took a train to the seller and completed the deal after I did a visual inspection/test-drive.

It's not "cheap" but it's worth it in the long run. Leaky diff seals, bad bushings, poorly maintained clutch/brakes/tranny...all these things can lead to expensive repairs. Either negotiate further or walk and find another. Nothing worse than 'buyer's remorse'. If you've a bad feeling and you move ahead to find issues, you'll be very unhappy and may have a bad taste for one of the best pure sports-cars ever made. Do it right and you'll have a new addiction/love affair.

Good luck,
TomK